dissertation work

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THE UNIVERSITY OF HULL
SCHOOL OF POLITICS, PHILOSOPHY AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
Which Terrorist Attack is most likely to occur in the United Kingdom?
being a dissertation submitted for the Degree of
BA War and Security Studies
Jamie Breen
April 2014

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Contents
Preface
1. New or Old terrorism.
2. Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear terrorist attack against the UK.
3. Suicide bombing attacks against populated areas.
4. Terrorist attacks against UK Armed Forces personnel.
5. Terrorist attacks against the UK transport system.
Conclusion
Bibliography

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Detailed Contents
Preface
1. New or Old Terrorism
New or Old Terrorism: An analysis
Radicalisation: A UK problem
2. Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear terrorist attack against the UK.
Chemical terrorist attack
Biological terrorist attack
Radiological terrorist attack
Nuclear terrorist attack
Risk analysis
3. Suicide bombing attacks against populated areas.
Suicide bombing: A definition
Suicide bombing: An analysis
Suicide bombing: A UK case
Suicide bombing: Motivation behind the 7/7 suicide attacks.
4. Terrorist attacks against UK Armed Forces personnel.
Terrorism on our streets: The analysis of the Woolwich attack.
5. Terrorist attacks against the UK transport system.
Maritime Terrorism: A future terrorist threat
Conclusion
Bibliography

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PREFACE
This dissertation aims to analyse and conclude in a perspective manner the possible
strategic capabilities and methods of attack, in which terrorist organisations in the UK
might use. In day to day life we all focus on what we presume to be the main terrorist
threat, in many cases this is bombings. In the history of terrorism within the United
Kingdom there has remained this type of threat throughout 20th and 21st Century. This
threat has predominantly come from the IRA, which originated through Britain’s
colonial hold of Ireland. This dissertation, however, proposes to analyse and
conclude the current and future threats in a post 9/11 era from terrorist organisations
such as Al-Qaida and their affiliated groups. Though the case for terrorism from Irish
based terrorist organisations such as the IRA remains a strong academic subject, the
need to understand this new terrorist phenomenon is vital. This dissertation seeks to
determine whether there has been a strategic shift in the terrorist mindset in how they
focus their efforts of attack and whether this will be the case at present and in the
future within the UK. There is a variety of methods that terrorist organisations can use
to attack the UK, some being more likely than others, which is something this
dissertation looks to address. Home grown radicalisation has become a major issue for
the UK and is linked to this new threat. Therefore, it is vital to understand how and
why elements of the UK population are at threat from and are being radicalised. As
explained, Britain is not new to terrorism, but is this new threat the same as the last?
A comparison of old and new terrorism will determine whether the current terrorist
threat can be compared to the last, which will also help understand the current
strategic mind set of terrorist organisations. This dissertation will focus on a variety of

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possible scenarios and strategies terrorist organisations may seek to implement by
looking at openly available information to gain a perspective analysis of the current
and future terrorist threats that face the United Kingdom.
The justification for this topic is to add to the current understanding of
terrorism in an academic way. This will allow the reader to draw a perspective
analysis of the current threats that the UK faces and in what way. Understanding the
terrorist mindset and the threats we face from terrorist organisations is vital to our
understanding of how to counter this new terrorist phenomena. Since 2001 the UK has
been active in countering terrorism in partnership with other nations globally. This
has brought about uncertainty over our national security and increased exposure from
new terrorist threats that we are still trying to understand. This dissertation will
attempt to address some of the key issues we face in the UK from terrorist
organisations. The ever changing nature of the threats we face is further justification
to why we must keep expanding our knowledge of terrorism. With global expansion,
increased international relations and technological advances, like us, terrorist
organisations will look to adapt and change to strategically meet their aims and
objectives. Therefore it is vital that we continue to increase our knowledge and
understanding and keep pace with the ever changing global threats.
The outcome of this research will be determined by using readily available
information of non-empirical value and will be a perspective analytical review of
historical and current literature. Due to the very nature of the subject in question, there
are limitations in obtaining certain information that may be of a sensitive nature and
vital to the security of the United Kingdom. Therefore, the conclusion of this research

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will be of a perspective nature and based on the information readily available for
analytical discourse. Each assessment will be carried out in a qualitative manner
based on likelihood, which is based on the analysed information. Likelihood that such
an attack can occur, likelihood based on occurrences and when it is likely an attack
will occur.
The history of terrorism within the United Kingdom is very broad and has a
regular historical foundation. Acts of terrorism occurred in large numbers in the pre
9/11 era, and this phenomenon has continued to be the subject of debate since the
terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York on September 11th 2001. The
main focus of terrorism and the concentration of attacks against the UK came from
the IRA during The Trouble era during the 1970’s and 1980’s, due to Britain’s
sovereignty hold over Northern Ireland. Though this threat is still active, the peace
settlement has allowed for relative peace between dissident republicans and the
British government. Acts of terrorism from this organisation are now only a mere
future possibility, not a certainty.
In 2001, the United Kingdom offered its unwavering support to the United
States after the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Centre. This support would
embroil the UK in two major conflicts, a decade from the threat of domestic terrorism
and cost the lives of hundreds of British soldiers and civilians. Not including acts of
terrorism by the IRA since 2001, there have been a number of high profile domestic
terror attacks. On the July 7th 2005, a number of simultaneous attacks occurred across
the city of London killing a large number of civilians. These attacks marked the

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biggest single terrorist attack in the history of UK terrorism.1 This is something that
will be analysed with greater respect and detail during this dissertation. On June 30th
2007 there was a terrorist attack against Glasgow airport in which a car was driven
into the airport, and exploded.2 This attack was the first of its kind in mainland UK in
which a car was used to carry an explosive into a transport hub, with the intent on
causing mass death and destruction. On May 22nd 2013 an off duty British soldier,
known as Lee Rigby was killed in a savage and barbaric attack on the street of
London. Lee Rigby was knocked down by a car, dragged in to the street and
butchered at the hands of two men, Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale.3 This
attack shocked the world and the British public; this was due to the severe shock of
the attack that had occurred. The two men who carried out the attack had clearly been
radicalised and showed extremist views toward the UK armed forces and the UK
government.4 This is a clear sign that there is a major threat from UK based
radicalisation, something that this dissertation looks to address in detail. On June 30th
2012, six men from Birmingham were arrested on route to carry out an act of
terrorism, with a car full of explosives.5 The intent from the six men was to attack an
English Defence League rally with the aim of causing mass casualties. According to
the police the devices certainly had the ability to cause serious consequences to those
1 The Stationery Office. (2006). Report of the Official Account of the Bombings in London
on 7th July 2005. . 1 (1), p1-36.
2 BBC. (2007). Blazing car crashes into airport. Available:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/6257194.stm. Last accessed 21st April 2014.
3 Dodd, V. (2013). Man killed in deadly terror attack in London street.Available:
http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2013/may/22/police-respond-serious-incident-
woolwich. Last accessed 21st April 2014.
4 Dodd, V. (2013). Man killed in deadly terror attack in London street.Available:
5 Casciani, D. (2013). Six admit planning to bomb English Defence League
rally. Available: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22344054. Last accessed 21st April
2014.

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who were close by, if they were successfully detonated.6 What all these terrorist acts
have in common, is that all the terrorists originated from the UK. All had links to
extremist preachers and all had religious and ethnic ideologies at the core of their
reasoning. An analysis of these case and possible future attacks will be analysed and
addressed throughout this dissertation.
The statistical evidence behind terrorism in the United Kingdom shows the
extent of the new terrorist threat. Since 2001, there has been a large increase in
terrorism related arrests within the UK, with 2,547 subsequent arrests being made.7
What this shows is that the phenomenon of terrorism in the UK is very active, real
and poses a major threat to the security of the United Kingdom. This also shows there
is a consistent threat. This is because if we break down the figure over the period from
2001 to 2013, when the statistics are active, there is an average of 195 terrorist related
arrests every year. Within the United Kingdom there are currently over 120 persons
being held in prison after being convicted of terrorism.8 Although this figure is small
in comparison to the amounts that are arrested over the past decade, it remains a
significant one, and one which emphasises the threats we face. Out of the 120
terrorists being held, 26 are extremists that exploit their radical views upon others.9
This provides the means to radicalise others into carrying out terrorist attacks. Those
6 Casciani, D. (2013). Six admit planning to bomb English Defence League
rally. Available: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22344054. Last accessed 21st April
2014.
7 Home Office. (2014). Statistical News Release. Available:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/286461/
police-powers-terror-q3-2013snr.pdf. Last accessed 21st April 2014.

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who offer their radical views in this way do not carry out attacks themselves but
persuade others to do so. This threat, although not the direct attack, therefore is just as
much a threat to the UK as actual terrorist attacks. This is because these people are the
philosophers, the speakers and the peers to such people who deem it their Islamic duty
to cause death and destruction on their behalf.

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CHAPTER ONE
AN ERA OF NEW OR OLD TERRORISM
To understand fully the extent of the threat to the United Kingdom from the
phenomenon of terrorism, we must first understand what type of terrorism the UK has
been exposed to in recent times. There is a constructive academic debate about what
is ‘old’ and what is ‘new’ terrorism. This chapter seeks to address which type the UK
is now exposed too strategically from current terrorist organisations. An analysis of
both discourses will be addressed by taking into account the historical concepts of
terrorist attacks in the UK past and present, but drawing similarities from the global
terrorism strategic thought. The reason that this will be the case is because for us to
understand whether there is a change, we must access the historical context of the
tactics used directly in the UK. This is so we can understand if there has been a shift
towards a more contemporary form of terrorism.
New or old terrorism: an analysis
When analysing terrorism in a historical context there are both differences and
similarities in what is said to be ‘old’ and what is ‘new’. To understand them, there
needs to be a factual comparison of terrorism in the UK to the global image of
terrorism. One of the fundamentals that both concepts, old and new terrorism have in
common is that they both use violence as a means to an end.10 The difference then in
the case old and new terrorism is that the targets and the ideologies behind why they
10 Neumann, R (2009). Old & New Terrorism. Cambridge: Polity Press. p1-14.

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conduct terrorism looks to have changed. Terrorism in the UK came from the IRA
over the 20th Century, their aims and objectives were clear and understood. That is,
the old form of terrorist was limited, they had set goals and aims that they believed
could be achieved. They did not seek anything but what they set out to gain, but could
be coerced in to accepting some form of change.11 In contrast to this, today, the aims
and objectives of terrorist organisations are wholly unclear. New forms of terrorists
are not connected to the political system; they do not seek or wish influence.12
Therefore, it is often hard to determine what contemporary terrorist organisations
wish to gain from their actions in the long term. Their goals look short sighted and
merely look to cause as much death and destruction as possible. New terrorism, in
dissimilarity to old, looks to focus itself upon ideology, not political objectives.13 This
is ultimately a key difference between the two.
When we look at the attacks that have occurred in the UK prior and post 9/11,
we can see there is a clear change in tactics from the retrospective terrorist
organisations that operate in the confines of the UK. The IRA, with their political
motives, would attack infrastructure and the security services in Northern Ireland and
mainland UK, trying to minimize civilian casualties. They did this to keep the civilian
population on their side while maintaining pressure on the Government of the UK,
because they understood this to be vital to their strategy.14 Though the IRA did kill
civilians during their campaign against the Government of the UK, this was not there
means to an end. New forms of terrorism use maximum violence against civilians as
11 Crenshaw, M. (2007). The Debate over “New” vs. “Old” Terrorism.Center for
International Security and Cooperation Stanford University . 1 (1), p1-43.
13 Hoffman, B (2006). Inside Terrorism. Newyork: Columbia University Press. p63-81.

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a strategy. This is because new forms of terrorist have no desire to differentiate
between this and do not concern themselves with respect for human life.15 If we look
closely at the terrorist attacks in the west over the last decade, this has been the case.
Since and including 9/11, if we take in to account 7/7 and the Glasgow car bombing,
all of which had the desire to cause mass casualties at the core of their strategy. This
is clearly something which undoubtedly stands out in the debate between old and new
terrorism with regard to the UK. There is also a difference in the sheer lethality of
current attacks, the religious and ideological motives in which they are conducted
with new terrorism.16 These are clearly the fundamental foundations with new forms
of terrorism, which differentiate them from the terrorism that the UK was accustomed
to.
Another key fundamental difference that can be distinguished between old
and new terrorism, is that old terrorism can be seen to be geographically localised,
while new terrorism is more far reaching on a globalised scale.17 What this new
terrorism is then, is transnational; it does not confine itself to one single location, to
one single focus, but is far reaching in its influence. What this makes clear in the case
of the UK, is that the evolution from an old style of terrorism, that was based around
nationalist values and political goals did not evolve into this new phenomenon
geographically. The terrorist threat which the UK faces is transnational, and derives
from the Middle Eastern forms of terrorism, which use violence against the civilian
populations to strike fear. An example of the evolutionary origins of transnational
terrorism is the Iranian death squads that conducted cross border attacks against
17 Townshend, C (2002). Terrorism A Very Short Indroduction. Newyork: Oxford
University Press. p1-96.

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Israeli civilians within Israel. Another example of the evolution of terrorism, but only
merely confirmed this trend of mass casualty terrorism, is 9/11. The 9/11 terrorist
attacks in the United States of America confirmed the gradual strategy change that
terrorists preferred to implement.18 Their attacks merely confirmed this trend. Up until
the point of 9/11 the West had not experienced transnational terrorism of this kind.
Terrorist groups in the West originated domestically, and were limited in their
approach. For example the IRA in the UK and the ETA in Spain are both domestic
terrorist organisations; predominately operating in the confines of the respective
countries. Both had nationalist values, both were fighting hegemonic states in a near
conventional manner. Today’s terrorist organisations are predominantly from the
Middle East and rogue African states that attack and influence others to attack nations
that they are not affiliated too. This is because new terrorists do not recognise state
structure, and have no will to change it. Religious ideologies are at the core of their
motives.19 The problem the UK has because of this is that new terrorists cannot be
coerced if their only focus is spiritual. Though there is the ability of States to attempt
to limit the threat of attack by newly formed domestic terrorist groups who are of the
same ideology. What this means is that terrorist groups are able to recruit and operate
more freely than the previous domestic terrorist organisations because they are
operating internationally and beyond control of one single state. The foundations of
this new form of terrorism originate because of the link between the
transnationalisation of terrorism, their methods and strategies. There is also a link
between the radicalisation of UK citizens because of their shared ideologies which
new terrorism is associated with.

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Radicalisation: A definition
There is no universally accepted definition of what ‘radicalisation’ is, in the sphere of
academia. The term is debated, argued and applied in a variety of different manners
because of the heterogeneous nature of the term. For the purpose of this research,
‘radicalisation’ will be the change in one’s nature and view point in which a change in
ideology has been accepted. The ideological change is of a violent, extremist nature
that seeks to use the application of violence as a weapon to create fear and terror
against those opposed to the same ideological views.20
Radicalisation: A UK problem
Contemporary radicalisation is focused on embracing “an anti-liberal, fundamentalist,
anti-democratic and regressive agenda”21 according to Dr Alex Schmid author and
researcher at the International centre for counter terrorism at The Hague. Because this
is the case, the UK will always be the victim of radicalisation domestically and
globally. This is due to the UK being a democratic state that applies politically liberal
views on many issues such as gay rights, multiculturalism and is of multi-faith
society. These societal traits go against what Dr Schmid states are the key
fundamental views of radicalisation and the ideology in which they represent. This
shows that those who pursue and seek to radicalise others are totalitarian. They wish
to dictate the structures of society through violence and fear.22 Therefore, the people
20 Dr Schmid, P. (2013). Radicalisation, De-Radicalisation, Counter-Radicalisation: A
Conceptual Discussion and Literature Review. ICCT Research Paper March 2013. 1 (1),
p6-8.
p6-8.
22 Home Affairs Committee . (2010). Nineteenth Report of Session 2010. Roots of violent
radicalisation. 1 (2), p7-8.

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who are radicalised become non-democratic and do not wish to be part of the
structures of a democratic liberal society such as the UK, as they do not believe in its
diverse nature.23 Because of this, they do not wish to be part of society as they see it
in its current state. They use the application of violence as a tactic to try to coerce
change that meets with their own visions.
Radicalisation also occurs because those with alternative views do not have
faith in the current situation and do not find it to fulfil their needs. Many of these
needs are associated with religious factors and are a fundamental reason to why
radicalisation is taking place today.24 This is because many of the people who are
being radicalised are sympathisers to what they see as the persecution of their Muslim
brothers and sisters by the UK and the West.25 This can be regarded as one of the
main reasons that there has been a rise in domestic radicalisation in the UK. Many
Muslims feel a cultural and religious connection to others of the same faith, putting
nationalism behind religious affiliation.26 This is why so many radicalised terrorists
are filled with so much hate towards the UK and the West and have no objections to
committing such brutal terrorist acts such as 7/7 or the attack against British soldier
Lee Rigby on the streets of London. Because they have this view point, it is not hard
to understand why so many British Muslims are becoming radicalised if we take into
account the UK’s overseas military operations over the last decade since 2001. The
UK has been part of three major conflicts, Afghanistan in 2001, Iraq in 2003 and
p6-8.
24 European Commission . (2008). Radicalisation, Recruitment and the EU Counter-
radicalisation Strategy. Transnational Terrorism, Security & the Rule of Law. 1 (1), 10-
15.
25 Forest, F, J ETL. (2006). The Making of a Terrorist. Root Causes. 3 (3), p3
26 Home Affairs Committee . (2010). Nineteenth Report of Session 2010. Roots of violent
radicalisation. 1 (2), p7-8.

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Libya in 2011, which were consistently portrayed in the media daily. All of these
conflicts have one major commonality; they are all predominately Muslim countries.
This leaves the UK at risk of domestic radicalisation because of their media coverage
that could be perceived as attacks against innocent Muslims. This is because the
“effects on daily lives are more likely to become a root cause of terrorism when
people feel the immediate, harsh, highly visible hand of either an occupying power or
a repressive regime”27 when we take into account that all Muslims affiliate themselves
through their faith to each other before nationalism, the UK is seen as both in this
regard. Firstly, they see the UK as an aggressive occupier of a Muslim land. Secondly,
they feel that the UK is a repressive state in which their Muslim brothers and sisters
are the victims. The oppression by the west of the Muslim world is seen as a clear
influence into why so many Muslims are becoming radicalized.28 This therefore is
clearly the catalyst to UK domestic radicalization and the problem the UK faces due
to its current political stance.
One of the major root causes of radicalisation, according to James Forest,
exploring root causes of terrorism. Is that there is an unequal distribution of power
globally, notably between the Middle East and the Western powers.29 What he means
by this is that the West is seen to have an unfair share of global power; which favours
them in the global sphere of influence. Because this is the case, and the Middle East is
predominately of an Islamic faith and the West Christianity, they feel their views and
wished are oppressed by an outside aggressor due to ideologies. The situation that
then occurs is an ‘us versus them’ scenario in which they seek to influence a power

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change through acts of terrorism to meet with the ideological position.30 This
ultimately leads to resentment and anger, with the onset of radicalisation taking place.
If we take into account the fundamentals for radicalization, the UK’s liberal stance,
operations in Muslim lands and its support of The United States over the past decade.
This has increased resentment and anger towards the UK domestically and globally.
Which has led to an increase in domestic radicalisation, these are the clear origins of
UK radicalisation.
Chapter summary
Old terrorism looks to focus itself upon nationalist ideals, whereas new forms of
terrorism, globally and in the UK, have religious origins that focus on ideology.
Before 9/11 as presented in this chapter, the UK faced a terrorist threat from the IRA
with their deep lying reasons being nationalist in origin. Today’s terrorist are driven
by religious ideologies, and view differences on how they believe society should be,
as seen in recent attacks in the UK.
Radicalisation is occurring in the UK because of our social diversity and our
liberal views. The UK’s global influential position also means that radicalization will
take place because of the pursuit of power by extremists. The reason we now see a
new form of terrorism in the UK is because there is a clear link between the
transnationalisation of terrorism and domestic radicalisation. This is because of faith
over nationalist identity that can be seen in Muslim communities in the UK and
globally which often leads to sympathy of their Muslim brothers and sisters that can
untimely be the catalyst for radicalisation.

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CHAPTER TWO
CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL & NUCLEAR TERRORISM
WITHIN THE UK
During this chapter, a perspective analysis of the literature relating to CBRN
terrorism, that can be associated to the United Kingdom and those organisations who
actively seek to carry out such attacks, will be assessed. CBRN capabilities, from
intelligence sources globally show that such weapons vastly appeal to organisations
such as Al-Qaida.31 Therefore, it is vital to the outcome of this research that CBRN
terrorism is widely and strongly diagnosed and the capability of such organisations to
target the United Kingdom be assessed in detail. There is also great emphasis on
looking into CBRN terrorism, due to the risk of a high casualty outcome from such an
attack.32 This is because it would not only prove catastrophic to human life but to the
economy of the targeted city. Such an attack would increase large scale fear among
the population, anticipating another possible attack or the effects of the last, on
themselves mentally and physically. Religious, fanatical and jihadist organisations
which Al-Qaida is represented by all three fractions, regard violence of this type, that
is the use of weapons such a CBRN to be not only justified but it also meets their
overall strategy of mass casualties.33 This poses a major issue to the United Kingdom
because it has a large Muslim population, which has grown disenchanted by the UK’s
31 Coburn, A ETL. (2011). Terrorism Risk in the post-9/11 Era 10-year Retrospective. 1
(1), p2-28.
(1), p2-28.
(1), p2-28.

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overseas policy and operations in Muslim populated countries such as Afghanistan
and Iraq in recent years. Therefore a higher risk of radicalisation internally of well
educated persons could help turn Al-Qaida’s intent on using CBRN weapons into
reality. Al-Qaida’s intent on gaining such capabilities has never been under estimated.
This chapter will break down CBRN into its individual capability type and analyse
Al-Qaida’s intent and capability to use such a threat against the United Kingdom in
the post 9/11 era. Due to the complexity and usage of such weapons having a limited
usage, it will be beneficial to use examples from around the world that are likely both
strategically and physically able to happen in a similar way in the United Kingdom.
Once an academic perspective of the literature and readily available information has
been analysed and assessed. There will be a risk assessment to determine the
possibility of such an attack occurring in the United Kingdom.
Chemical terrorist attacks
Chemical terrorism refers to the use of toxic chemicals as a weapon by terrorist
organisations. Chemicals are dispersed deliberately and with the intent of killing,
injuring of persons and cause the disruption of a target.
Globally there is a major threat of chemical weapons being used by terrorist
organisations in an act of aggression. This is because chemical materials are readily
available in society and can be obtained with relative simplicity.34 Chemicals such as
chlorine would account for this and can be obtained in large quantities. There have
been a number of chemical attacks that have occurred globally that can be related to
the possibility of a chemical attack happening in the United Kingdom. The chemical
(1), p2-28.

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attack that will be referred to in this case is the chemical attack in Japan against the
Tokyo subway system orchestrated by Aum Shinrikyo. The reason this attack is so
significant and why it can be related to the possibility of a chemical attack occurring
in the United Kingdom comes down to a number of key factors. Firstly, like Japan,
the United Kingdom has a major subways system running throughout one of its major
cities, in this case, London. Therefore a chemical can spread rapidly in the confine
passages of the subway’s system, the trains and the platforms as it did with the attack
in Japan.35 This would have an unprecedented impact against the heavily populated
subway system. Terrorist organisations and the vast networks associated with Al-
Qaida who believe in their radical ideology are focused on mass casualty outcomes.36
This is significant because the London subway system is one of, if not the busiest in
the world and one of the most populated areas in the city of London, an attack would
almost undoubtedly cause mass casualties. A scenario of this kind meets the strategic
thought of terrorist groups. Secondly, the United Kingdom, like Japan, has a major
University system that has vast chemistry and biotech fields that can further one’s
knowledge. The perpetrators of the chemical attack on the Tokyo subways system that
developed the sarin gas devices all had an in depth knowledge of biochemistry and
medicine which aided them in the development of such weapons. This is something
which is seen as a vital attribute in successfully making such devices.37 What this
allows for, is the ability to train in the necessary means to adapt their acquired
knowledge in chemistry and biotech fields to the extent of developing chemical based
35 CSIS. (2013). Chemical and Biological Terrorism: The Threat According to the Open
Literature. Available: https://www.csis-scrs.gc.ca/pblctns/thr/cbtrrrsm06-eng.asp. Last
accessed 21th April 2014.
(1), p2-28.

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weapons in a safer way than someone who has no knowledge in the required fields
and to a greater success. Thirdly, like Japan, the United Kingdom has a major
chemical and pharmaceutical industry. The perpetrators of the Tokyo attack set up
false companies to acquire the chemicals they required to develop the chemical
devices with ease and without question, as they were all well educated graduates in
their chosen fields of knowledge.38 This is of importance because trained citizens of
the United Kingdom who are associated with terrorist organisations but well trained in
such fields could also manipulate the system. Then obtain the necessary means in
developing such weapons without a need to declare their activity, were they qualified
in certain job roles and registered business holders of biotech companies. Finally, the
attack in Japan was by an organisation that was both fanatical and religious. They
didn’t believe in the system they lived in and did not recognise the actions of the
legitimate government.39 Both of which, organisations such as Al-Qaida affiliations
both UK and overseas groups have openly stated on many occasions, reiterating their
hatred towards the actions of the UK Government on foreign policy and military
activity. All the people who had trained in the fields of chemistry, pharmaceutical
science and biotech fields had been radicalised by the terrorist organisation in Japan.40
In the United Kingdom there are a number of key individuals who preach a
radical Islamic philosophy which is followed by a large number of enthusiastic people
in many professions. What these fundamentals represent is a strategic foundation of

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how to achieve such an attack step by step, a basic strategic module of sorts. This is
something military organisations, businesses and individuals do as normality. The
chemical attack on the Tokyo subway system is also known to represent the first
strategic use of a chemical in a terrorist attack against a population and State. Al-
Qaida representatives in the United Kingdom could use the sarin attack in Tokyo, the
methods in which they strategically and successfully conducted the attack as the
foundation for their own chemical style attack in the UK and London as the target city
because of the similarities.
The problem that UK faces from the threat of chemical terrorism is that
Government of the United Kingdom can only attempt to minimize the threat unlike
other CBRN capabilities, which it can control to a higher degree.41 The poses a major
issue to the security services because their overall security strategy becomes limited in
this case due to the nature of this threat and the means in which are needed to carry it
out. Chemical formulas are often open sources throughout the internet. The only
requirement is a trained person in a biotech or chemistry field.42 The problem with
this is that by the time the authorities have located and shut down sites that offer
terrorist networks in the UK the ability to access such information, there is already
many more being set up, therefore it becomes ineffective overall. Even as early as the
7/7 attacks in 2005, the UK security services were very much over stretched in their
pursuit of UK based terrorist individuals and organisations.43 This poses a major flaw
in security because although the authorities have the ability to monitor certain
41 Beahm, G (2004). Straight talk about terrorism. Virginia: Brasseys's, Inc. p11-18.
43 Newstatesman. (2009). 7/7 report: MI5 desperately overstretched.Available:
http://www.newstatesman.com/2009/05/track-khan-report-mi5-decision. Last accessed
21st April 2014.

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individuals they are unable to monitor every possible terrorist who seeks to carry out
criminal activities that could lead to eventual attacks using chemical weapons.
Biological Terrorist attacks
When we refer to the threat from biological terrorism or bioterrorism, we refer to the
use of such weapons purposely by terrorist organisations to cause serious harm to the
general public. Such weapons are generalised as biological agents such as anthrax,
tularemia, botulism, smallpox and other virus like agents. These agents could be
released in a variety of ways to inflict large scale health issues.44
There are a number of reasons to why terrorist organisations within the United
Kingdom might seek to strategically use this type of capability. This would be to
enforce open fear and hysteria among the public and to cause possible mass
casualties.45 This would effectively put pressure on the UK government politically
because the public would seek reassurances over their safety which the authority
could not guarantee. Biological terrorism therefore does pose a major threat to the
UK. The need for such weapons is also on the increase globally by terrorist networks.
This is because unlike trying to acquire and strategically deliver other state of the art
or more conventional weapons, this capability is easier to transport and less likely to
be detected by the authorities.46 The threat from biological terrorism in that case is
very much real and serious. The serious extent of this threat is backed up by western
intelligence services findings that Al-Qaida is actively seeking persons who have
(1), p2-28.

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knowledge in biochemistry.47 If such groups were to succeed and pass this vital
knowledge on to UK based national, this would be a pivotal step forward for UK
based terrorist networks in acquiring and delivering such a weapon. What this shows
is that Al-Qaida and the networks that follow the same ideology have a strong intent
on gaining such capabilities, a long term strategic plan and focus.48 If successful, the
UK would be at risk from mass biological attacks that could have unlimited outcomes.
It is also clear that the authorities in the UK would have a very serious incident to deal
with were a biological agent or virus released in to the general public. Some
biological agents are lethal to humans and would certainly cause death in untreated
persons within a set time frame. For example, if a terrorist group were to release
either anthrax or smallpox virus on to the streets of the UK the death rate if serious
symptoms had onset would exceed over 80% of those infected.49 What this shows is
the severity of problems the UK faces if such an event occurs but also the very
reasons why such weapons are increasingly appealing to terrorist groups.
An example of a possible biological terrorist attack against either the general
public or persons within the UK Government, that has the ability to occur, could be
the 2001 anthrax attacks in the United States of America. In 2001 letters laced with
the biological agent anthrax were sent via mail to a number of people, of which 7 died
and 17 were taken seriously sick.50 Although the number of people who died and the
infected people who survived is a relatively small figure in comparison to other
(1), p2-28.
(1), p2-28.
49 Disaster Survival Resources. (2014). Biological Threat. Available: http://www.disaster-
survival-resources.com/biological-threat.html. Last accessed 21st April 2014.
50 FBI. (2013). Amerithrax or Anthrax Investigation. Available: http://www.fbi.gov/about-
us/history/famous-cases/anthrax-amerithrax. Last accessed 21st April 2014.

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terrorist attacks. What this shows is an ability to send anthrax laced letters or other
biological agents via the mail systems, only being exposed once people are
contaminated and show signs of infection.51 This would offer terrorists a two tier
attack, firstly the exposure of agents to the public and secondly the fear factor in the
aftermath of the attack. The anthrax letter attack in 2001 was more effective in
creating fear amongst the public than causing mass casualties on this occasion.52 If an
attack of this scale or a more severe attack occurred in the UK the same results are
very likely. There would also be the possibility of increased deaths and casualties
depending on to what extent the exposure of such agents were. This is backed by the
evidence found by the FBI that the number of letters sent was small, only four in
total.53 The evidence found by the FBI shows the stark contrast of what the possible
outcome would be if a terrorist group sent out a larger amount of biological laced
letters within the UK if there was greater public exposure. If we take into
consideration the figures of death rate and injured persons from the four letters it
becomes clear that on a larger scale there would undoubtedly be greater death and
casualty rates.
The threat of biological terrorism to the UK is further strengthened by the
findings of the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to
Terrorism or START for short. They found between 1990 and 2011 which covers
extensively the period post 9/11 that there were 21 biological agents used in 74

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overall incidents.54 These findings show that terrorist organisations are very actively
willing to use such weapons strategically. Out of the 74 incidents there were 17 actual
biological attacks with the rest being point of usage.55 Again this shows the intent
from terrorist organisations to acquire and use biological weapons on a global scale.
This is something that could be implemented by UK based networks were Al-Qaida to
become successful in recruiting qualified persons in biochemistry within the UK or
use the internet as a platform of open knowledge to spread the required information.
The intent of terrorist organisations to use biological weapons is far greater than their
actual use. This is mainly down to a lack of knowledge to convert biological agents
into explosive dispersal devices safely.56 This though is something that can be ratified
with increased knowledge sharing via the internet and training camps in rogue states.
This is also evident in countries such as Syria where there is an increase of British
Muslims fighting in the region that could bring their new found knowledge back to
the UK to train others in bomb making which poses a major threat to UK security.
Radiological terrorist attacks
Radiological terrorism refers to the deliberate use of a radiological explosive dispersal
device or an act that has the ability to release radiological elements against a
population. This act would be deliberate and be to cause mass casualties, death and
destruction to infrastructure. Firstly, a radiological device can be initiated covertly or
secondly, openly with the terrorist groups informing the authorities of their actions to
54Pinson, L ETL. (2013). Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism.The National
Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism. 1 (1), p1-4.

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strike immediate fear amongst the population.57 Both of these outcomes would bring
about an uncertainty over safety of the public and put large amounts of pressure on
the UK government. Explosive devices that carry a radiological threat are widely
known as a ‘dirty bomb’.
The reasons that terrorist organisations may seek to use this type of weapon
can be summarised via to strategic outcomes. Firstly, terrorist organisations will seek
to use a radiological device to expose the population to radiation directly, causing
death, human health problems and long term damage.58 The reason this scenario poses
such a threat is because of the possible longevity of peoples health problems, the
possibility of unlimited amounts concerning death rates depending on radiation
exposure and the direct pressure placed on the government to respond. Secondly,
terrorist organisations will seek to use such an attack to directly affect the day to day
workings of society through fear of possible exposure to radiation.59 This would
effects the basic movements of the population, affecting such things as the economy
and people general way of life. This would also affect the viability of food produce
around the contaminated area, but also place a risk of increased contamination of
persons who have used the effected food produce.
The case for this threat and the very reality that it is a possibility in the near future is
strengthened by the exposure of a plot in 2004 to use a dirty bomb against the London
subways system. In 2004 Dhiret Barot, an Al-Qaida fanatic and supporter of Global
57 NCTSN. (2014). Radiological Terrorism. Available: http://www.nctsn.org/trauma-
types/terrorism/radiological. Last accessed 21st April 2014.
(1), p2-28.
(1), p2-28.

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terrorism against the west was arrested for plotting to use a radioactive dirty bomb
and cars filled with gas canisters.60 What this shows is intent, intent to actively use
such weapons in the UK. To expose the UK population to the effects of radiation to
cause death, serious harm and to make a clear statement to the government that such
groups have no limitations to how they can strike within the territorial integrity of the
United Kingdom. Dhiret Barot on this occasion was unsuccessful, though in the future
this may not be the case. There are a number of reasons for this. Firstly, radiological
materials are relatively easy to acquire.61 This situation gives terrorist organisations
greater emphasis to seek the materials to create such devices containing radioactive
materials. Secondly, the transportation of such materials is simplistic.62 There is no
great emphasis to try hiding certain items, as many day to day products contain small
amounts of radiological materials. Finally, unlike other devices that use chemical and
biological materials there is no real need for a trained well educated person to
construct a radiological device.63 This would effectively limit costs, increase
production of devices and make it easier to strategically utilise such capabilities with
great effect.
Alternative radiological attacks within the United Kingdom could come in the
form of an attack against a nuclear power station. The UK has nine nuclear power
stations, which run 16 nuclear reactors.64 A terrorist attack against one of these
nuclear power plants would undoubtedly have serious consequences leaving a long
60 Ackerman, G ETL (2009). Jihadists and Weapons of Mass Destruction. Florida: CRC
Press. p1-45.
64 World Nuclear Association. (2014). Chernobyl Accident 1986. Available:
http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/safety-and-security/safety-of-plants/chernobyl-
accident/. Last accessed 21st April 2014.

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legacy of uncertainty with it. There are a number of ways in which a terrorist
organisation would tactically breach a nuclear power station in the UK. One of the
scenarios where a terrorist group could infiltrate the security perimeter would be to
attack the main gate with a heavily armed group of well trained individuals.65 Though
the UK is predominantly arms free, it is possible to get the arms required via
underground arms markets. Northern Ireland which still has an abundance of
conventional small arms from The Troubles era is also an option to source the
required weapons. There is also a highly likely hood for the use of homemade
explosive devices that could be used like conventional grenades. Vehicles laden with
explosives could be directed towards either the main gate or a parameter fence with
the intention on breaching it to gain maximum effectiveness in gaining entry to a
nuclear facility.66 This second scenario would be the most likely because it would
have the most effect in gaining entry. There would also be a highly likely hood of an
armed follow up after a car bomb breach giving the terrorist group a greater
advantage. Al-Qaida’s intent on attacking such facilities and using this to then spread
radioactive fall out to cause death and destruction is very real. This is evident because
there have been a number nuclear power stations globally that have been targeted by
Al-Qaida affiliated groups in France and Canada.67 This shows that such groups are
thinking outside of their current strategy and trying to find new ways in which to
attack their enemy. To comprehend what the outcome of such an attack could bring
the consequences of the disaster at Chernobyl is a great example in this case. Though
this was not a terrorist attack, it is the possible outcome of a terrorist attack that is of
importance and is significant to us understanding the risks. The explosion of the
65 Beahm, G (2004). Straight talk about terrorism. Virginia: Brasseys's, Inc. P29-41.
67 Ackerman, G ETL (2009). Jihadists and Weapons of Mass Destruction. Florida: CRC
Press. p1-45.

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Chernobyl reactor was the largest ever release of radioactive materials ever recorded.
This exposed over 200,000 people to radiation, killing over 50 people with over two
thousand recorded cancer cases as a result of radiation exposure.68 If this scenario was
to happen in the UK, we can draw upon the results of this disaster and conclude that
the risks to human life and the environment are unquestionable. The implications to
the UK economy would be disastrous as would the risk of contamination to fertile
land and food produce just like Chernobyl.
The use of weapons of mass destruction by terrorists
The use of weapons of mass destruction or WMD by terrorist organisations refers to
the deliberate use of weapons that have the ability to invoke the ultimate of
destructive outcome on humanity.
In the existence of WMD there have only ever been two nuclear bombs that
have been used against a civilian population. This was against Japan on the 6th and 9th
of August 1945 by the United States of America. Since then not a single nuclear
weapon has been used against another state, only tests of such weapons have been
exercised. Though this is the case there has been an increase of nations seeking to
gain such a destructive weapon. In total there are 8 declared nuclear armed states
around the globe, including the United Kingdom.69 The ability of terrorist
organisations gaining such weapons is very unlikely, but the possibility remains real
68 World Nuclear Association. (2014). Chernobyl Accident 1986. Available:
http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/safety-and-security/safety-of-plants/chernobyl-
accident/. Last accessed 21st April 2014.
69 CNN. (2014). Nuclear weapons: Who has what?. Available:
http://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2013/03/world/nuclear-weapon-states/. Last
accessed 21st April 2014.

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and present. This is because the intent is there, but the restrictions on such weapons
and the knowledge to make this capability is limited by states.
Chapter summary
The threat from chemical terrorism in the UK remains limited but has all the required
means to occur. This is due to the very nature of the threat and the means in which
this threat needs in order occur, being made easier by the system the UK operates. As
explained the UK offers the infrastructural means necessary to create, implement and
carry out chemical style attacks strategically. If Al-Qaida, like Aum Shinrikyo,
radicalised well educated graduates in chemistry and biotech fields then Al-Qaida’s
intent would become reality. This would ultimately bridge the gap strategically as all
the required means to carry out such an attack, like the sarin attacks in Japan would be
in place.
The threat from biological terrorism poses a significant threat to the UK. The
finding show that at current there is more an intent to gain such capabilities on the UK
than there is a threat of immediate usage, from the evidence if this was to become the
case then the outcome could be unlimited. The example used for this research shows
that this threat has a means to an end, that is, it has a strategic method of
implementation. Like the threat from chemical terrorism, bioterrorism only needs
trained persons to devise such devices. Bioterrorism has been successful before in the
United States which has a functional security system via the national postal service.
This proved a successful method of transportation of such an attack. Bioterrorism is
also a Global occurrence as laid out in this research which shows there is a clear intent
to gain and use such weapons as a method of terrorism. This knowledge could be

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transferred via the internet to UK based terrorist organisations that are intent on gain
and utilising such a capability against the UK in the near future.
Radiological terrorism also poses a major threat to the UK’s population,
infrastructure and environment. Large radiological exposure would cause major health
problems and death among the population. Due to the UK case of Dhiret Barot in
2004, in which he was arrested and jailed for planning and devising devices to carry
out a radiological attack in an act of terrorism this threat is very real. There is also the
threat from a nuclear power station being attacked and sabotaged to cause a
radiological disaster. Although this threat remains unlikely due to materialistic and
strategic short falls in the UK, it is still a major threat. This is because there have
already been instances in other well developed nations such as France and Canada
where terrorist organisations have planned and attempted to attack such installations.
If this was to happen in the UK and there was a successful attack, then the outcome
could be similar to Chernobyl and have catastrophic consequences.
The use of weapons of mass destruction such as nuclear weapons remains unlikely by
terrorist organisations. Though terrorist organisations such as Al-Qaida remain intent
on gaining such weapons, at current there is no evidence to suggest there is anything
more than intent. Due to there being a clear intent on gaining such a capability there
must however remain a threat from this type of terrorism.

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CHAPTER THREE
SUICIDE BOMBING WITHIN THE UK
During this chapter a perspective analysis of the threat from suicide bombing in the
UK will be carried out. This chapter will focus on looking at the global picture of
suicide bombing to understand to what extent suicide bombing is used strategically by
terrorist organisation, in which terrorist organisations in the UK are affiliated. There
will be perspective analysis of the suicide bombings and the attackers themselves so
to understand how such an occurrence can occur and whether it has the ability to
occur again. Finally, an analysis of the motivations behind the attacks will be carried
out to understand the attacker’s focuses and motivations in wanting to attack the UK.
Suicide bombing: A definition
Suicide bombing refers to the actions that are carried out either by an
individual or as a collective of individuals with the intention on causing mass
casualties or destruction in which they, the suicide bomber would certainly be killed
because of their actions. There are many reasons behind why people enter into suicide
bombing as a method of attack. Often this is because it has the greatest effect in
fracturing daily society and the people it directly affects.
Suicide bombing: An analysis
To understand fully the extent in which suicide bombing is a major global occurrence
Riaz Hassans study on ‘what motivates the suicide bomber’ brings this phenomenon

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into perspective. Riaz Hassan found that between 1981 and 2006 there were 1200
suicide attacks globally. This accounted for 4% of all terrorist attacks, killing over
14,599 people and accounted for more than 32% of all terrorist related deaths
globally.70 Hassan’s finding show resoundingly the extent of the phenomena that is
suicide bombing and that it makes up a large part of the strategy used by terrorist
organisations such as Al-Qaida. There is no coincidence that these findings are the
way they are. This is because as a civilised society, suicide attacks affect our sense of
morality overwhelmingly and vigorously.71 We feel this way because we don’t
understand fully why there are people who would go to such lengths to achieve their
goals or act in such a manner that ultimately leads to their own death by their own
hand, no matter the importance. This is why such attacks and the strategy of using
suicide bombers are so effective against the general population. Suicide bombing is
very effective at achieving fear among a population. This is because we lose our
sense of security, our sense of society and rule of law because we cannot retaliate
against such an act in which a suicide bombers only aim is to kill then be killed by his
own doing.72 This is why suicide bombing has become such a vital strategic weapon
for organisations such as Al-Qaida because it is becoming arguably the most effective
form of attack. It doesn’t allow us to actively bring the perpetrator(s) to justice and
effectively leaves behind a legacy of public anger and fear. Also there is often
resentment towards the authorities because they were unable to keep us safe from
such an attack. This ultimately eradicates any form of state authority leaving it
helpless to act.73 Therefore the state has no power over any attacker because they
believe death is the ultimate sacrifice which they are willing to make. Unlike suicide
70 Hassan, R (2009). What Motivates the Suicide Bomber? YaleGlobal. Yale Centre for the
Study of Globaization. P1-11
71 Reuter, C (2004). My Life is a Weapon. Oxfordshire: Princeton University Press. 1-52.

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bombers, law abiding members of the public believe in the rule of law and are
deterred from committing a crime because of retribution through a justice system.
This is also applies to other methods of terrorism against a state or a population
because there at some stage can be some form of accountability for one’s actions. For
suicide bombers this no longer applies. This is because there becomes no deterrent
and any form of accountability for the actions you take become worthless. This is due
to a suicide bomber already imposing the ultimate sentence upon themselves at the
time they carries out his act.74
Suicide bombing: A UK case
On July 7th 2005 there were a number of co-ordinated suicide bombings across the
city of London in the UK. The attacks were carried out with the intension on causing
mass death and injury amount the daily population of the city and to make a clear
statement to the UK government. Altogether there were four suicide bombers, of
which three detonated there selves on board the London underground and the fourth
on a London bus. Such was the devastating nature of these suicide attacks it caused 52
deaths and over 700 were injured as a result.75 This attacked showed that a terrorist
method of attack that is synonymous to the Middle East was able to arise in the
United Kingdom’s most major city with devastating effect. It also showed a clear gap
in homeland security and what the British public could expect in the future. The
suicide attacks in London accounted for the only suicide attack in the history of UK
terrorism but also the largest ever lose of life in a single terrorist attack.76 What this
does is give a clear picture of the effective nature of suicide bombing and strategically
on 7th July 2005. . 1 (1), p1-36.
on 7th July 2005. . 1 (1), p1-36.

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how it is more affective in targeting civilians at any given point to ensure the greater
casualty results.
` The men who carried out the suicide attacks in London were all British
nationals of varied ethnic decent. Three of the men were Asian in origin with the
fourth being Jamaican, all followed the Islamic faith.77 The broader picture of the men
who carried out these attacks goes against the normative characteristics in which
suicide bombers are usually associated. None of the attackers did anything out of the
ordinary that could raise suspicions and led a simple and similar lifestyle to those in
their ethnic and localised surroundings.78 This is very unusual in cases of suicide
bombing as often the bombers come from poverty deprived areas, states and regions
where there are ethnic tensions, which the UK is neither and has a prosperous,
peaceful and diverse multi cultural society in which all four were a part of. There was
also a clear difference in this case of suicide bombing to others abroad. All the
attackers had a well educated background with differing levels of academic success,
with two of the attacks attending University.79 The reason there is a unusual
difference here is because people who usually result to suicide bombing are people
who lack education, live in poverty, are easily persuaded and therefore do not
understand fully their actions. The four UK attackers were all well educated and knew
exactly what they were doing because of their extensive education and a normal
upbringing.
on 7th July 2005. . 1 (1), p1-36.
on 7th July 2005. . 1 (1), p1-36.
on 7th July 2005. . 1 (1), p1-36.

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Suicide Bombing: Motivations behind the attacks.
Khan, who was known to be the orchestrator of the attacks and leader of the group,
released a video to coincide with the bombings. In the video Khan gives their motives
and explanations behind the attacks with a speech directed to both the citizens of the
UK who they directly targeted and the UK government. To fully understand the
group’s motives under Khan’s leadership, it is vital to understand and make an
analysis of the video speech that Khan released. Khan’s motives and explanation are
as follows:
Our driving motivation doesn’t come from tangible commodities that
this world has to offer.
Our religion is Islam – obedience to the one true God, Allah, and
following the footsteps of the final prophet and messenger
Mohammed...This is how our ethical stances are dictated.
Your democratically elected government continuously perpetuate
atrocities against my people all over the World. And your support of
them makes you directly responsible, just as I am directly responsible
for protecting and avenging my Muslim brothers and sisters.
Until we feel security, you will be our targets. And until you stop the
bombing, gassing, imprisonment and torture of my people we will not
stop this fight. We are at war and I am a soldier. Now you too will taste
the reality of this situation....

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I myself, I make du’a to Allah...to raise me amongst those whom I love
like the prophets, the messengers, the martyrs and today’s heroes like
our beloved sheik Osama Bin Laden, Dr Ayman Al-Zawahir and Abu
Musab Al-Zarqawi and all the other brothers and sisters that are
fighting in the...of this cause.80
Analysing khan’s speech gives an idea of how the group were feeling at the time and
their motivations behind the attacks. When Khan speaks of the driving motives and
that the group were not driven by tangible things, this shows that they are religiously
focused, in some kind of trance like state that has religion at its core. What Khan is
expressing here is that everything they do, the way they live their lives, is dictated by
their beliefs of Islam. Khan explains their ethical stance and he focuses on their duty
as Muslims. This shows Khan and the group’s relationship with the Islamic faith is
very strong, but also shows that they are mentally, and consciously, focused on
religious factors. Like many who follow the Islamic faith, Khan expresses and
emphasises his relationship with other Muslims. Though, at this point his views are
clearly a more radical form of Islam do not represent the masses of Muslims in the
UK or Globally. The clear connection Khan feels he and his comrades have with their
fellow Muslims look to be one of their main reasons for their decision to carrying out
the attacks. He also attempts to justify, largely not very well, or convincingly, that it is
the fault of the UK public. He does however attempt to make a conscious effort to
connect with the pubic and try to justify their actions. With this, it is clear that the
group do not feel that the UK public understand the actions of their government and
that they are somewhat to blame wholeheartedly. The way in which Khan expresses
on 7th July 2005. . 1 (1), p1-36.

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his views on this is that the public are somewhat blind and should be punished for
their inability to see what they believe to be happening. Finally, Khan makes du’a to
Allah, in doing so he is subduing to his god. This shows that the group have already
made their minds up and are focused on the task in hand. By making du’a, Khan is
asking for strength and calling out to the prophet Mohammed for guidance of their
faith. By doing this, Khan is trying to justify their actions in the eyes of the prophet
Mohammed and their God Allah. Again this shows that the group are religiously
focused and driven in their actions. It is also evident that Khan wishes to be seen as a
martyr in the eyes of those who follow the radical side of Islam and he is carrying
their attacks on behalf of them, as well as his fellow Muslims.
Chapter summary
Suicide bombing from the readily available information, when taking a perspective
approach, confirms that suicide bombing is a major threat globally and potentially to
the United Kingdom in the future. This conclusion is based on the 7/7 attacks and the
ease in which they planned and carried out the attacks in an era of heightened security
in the UK. It is clear statistically that suicide bombing is a preferred method of
terrorist attack. This is clearly due to the mass causality approach in which many
terrorist aim for. The ability to wait until you can cause the maximum death rate
before you detonate your self is a clear strategic advantage to such organisation
wanting to cause such outcomes. The suicide bombings in London in 2005 emphasise
that this threat is a possibility in the UK and is likely to happen again at some point in
the future. Due to this event being the only kind in the history of terrorism in the
United Kingdom, this suggests that it will also be a rare, but deadly occurrence when
accounting for the casualty figure of this type of attack. This attack caused more

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casualties than any other terrorist attack in UK history which is something future
terrorist may take into account before selecting their own preferred methods. The
mental state of the attackers was clear to see, when analysing the speech by Khan and
will also play a major part in any future attacks. This is because the link between
radicalisation and the attackers was strong and played a key role in their methods.

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CHAPTER FOUR
TERRORIST ATTACKS AGAINST UK ARMED FORCES PERSONNEL
Terrorism on our streets: The analysis of the Woolwich attack.
On May 22nd 2013, the UK witnessed the horrific killing of British servicemen,
Fusilier Lee Rigby on the streets of the Nation’s capital London. Two men, Michael
Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale knocked down Lee Rigby as he attempted to cross
the road. They then repeatedly hacked at drummer Lee Rigby’s lifeless body in a rage,
with no concern to the viewing public, who had to stand and watch the horrific scene
unfold.81 During this attack, one thing was strikingly evident in both men, they had
been radicalised to a position of shear hatred towards UK Armed Forces personnel,
and Lee Rigby was merely the victim in the wrong place at the right time.
When analysing the video footage of Michael Adebolajo openly speaking
about why they had committed the crime, it is clear to see that they were in a trance
like state of mind.82 Michael Adebolajo speaks in a calm but eccentric manner
showing clear signs of confusion. “Remove your Government, they don’t care about
you”,83 Michael Adebolajo remarks, demonstrating that he is attempting to disconnect
himself from UK society. In doing this he is portraying an ‘us versus them’ scenario
as James Forest explains, which has been analysed in chapter one, an era of new or
old terrorism. Another key fact into the state of mind of Lee Rigby’s killers is the
81 Casciani, D. (2013). Woolwich: How did Michael Adebolajo become a killer?. Available:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25424290. Last accessed 26th April 2014.

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religious confusion by Michael Adebolajo. He emphasises that it is “an eye for an eye,
a tooth for a tooth.84 The fact that Michael Adebolajo was once a devout Christian and
converted to Islam at a later stage in his life by stating this shows he is religiously
confused. This is because the statement he makes is of the Christian faith from the
Old Testament and not the Qur’an.
One of the clear fundamentals to why this attack took place was because of
how the two men felt about the UK’s operations in Muslim lands. During his
interview while in police custody Michael Adebolajo confirms this by stating it was
the Iraq war that affected him overwhelmingly.85 This emphasises the assumptions
that one of the origins of radicalisation derives from occupation or the assumed
oppression of a people by a foreign or domestic state. This assumption is further
strengthened as Michael Adebolajo continues, “I saw operation shock and awe and it
disgusted me. The way it was reported was as if it was praiseworthy, saying look at
the might and awe of the West and America. Every one of those bombs was killing
people.”86 This statement shows the clear hatred for the West and shows the ill feeling
Michael has with the UK’s position in this regard. It is clear to see that he has been
radicalised into believing that everything the UK does is wrong and that it must be
punished.
84 Press Association. (2014). Lee Rigby murder: the judge's sentencing speech in
full. Available: http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/feb/26/lee-rigby- murder-
judges-speech-sentencing. Last accessed 21st April 2014.

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The reasoning behind why the two men chose this terrorist tactic is clear.
Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale believed that it was the fairest target.87
They believed this because they felt they were themselves soldiers, soldiers of Islam.
In the video that was taken during the attack in which Michael Adebolajo speaks, he
states that, “we must fight them as they fight us.”88 This statement makes this stance
clear and shows an alternative tactic from the contemporary terrorism that uses
explosive devices to kill en masse. The two men are clearly simplistic in their
planning. This type of terrorist attack does not require any form of detailed planning
or a trained person, it is very easy to conduct.89 This allowed the men to go unnoticed,
other than their extremist views which were well known to the authority. Because of
this, this type of attack in the future can cause a major terrorist threat. Firstly,
extremist preachers can radicalize simplistic people with no need to conduct more
detailed training in bomb making. Secondly, this type of attack is hard to prevent
because there is no need to restrict movement and there is no acquisition of illegal or
materials that could be noticeable to the authorities.
Chapter summary
The reasoning behind this attack is clear. The attackers used this tactic because they
themselves believed, just as Lee Rigby did, they too were soldiers. The chosen
method was simplistic in approach and didn’t require any major planning, which
limited their exposure to the authorities. Both men had clearly been radicalised which
is evident in their confusion of their faith and the reasoning behind the attacks. They

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had clearly separated themselves from society, and identified themselves through their
faith which for them justified their attack. The UK’s overseas operations played a
pivotal role in the two men’s decision to attack Lee Rigby and were more than likely
key to their radicalisation and eventual extremist undertakings. Because of the
simplicity of this type of attack and the increasing number of people being radicalised
in the UK this kind of terrorist attack in which a member of the UK Armed Forces is
attacked is very likely.

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CHAPTER FIVE
TERRORIST ATTACKS AGAINST THE UK TRANSPORT SYSTEM
Maritime terrorism: A definition
Maritime terrorism refers to the usage of Maritime Improvised Explosive Devices,
MIED for short, at sea. These devices can vary in type and include boat laden vessels
full of explosives, sea mines and homemade devices that can be put to sea. It also
refers to the use of any other means with the intention to disrupt the maritime system,
cause death at sea and use the sea as a platform to attack by a terrorist organisation.
Maritime terrorism: A future terrorist threat
Maritime terrorism is widely and commonly used around the world, notably the
Middle East and Asia with varied degree of success. According the Dr Chris Martin,
author of Hull University Centre for Security Studies IED Project Occasional Paper
No. 1, this type of terrorism has gone largely unnoticed by the west, as it doesn’t
affect us directly.90 Because this has been the case and the focus of western
governments perceived image of terrorism to use more commonly used tactics has to
a degree weakened our ability to deal with such threats. The relative ease in which
members of the public can travel by sea compared to air travel is clear to see. The
rigorous checks people expect at airports are none existent at many maritime transport
hubs and this is an area of concern. Terrorist organisations in the UK may utilise this
90 Martin, C Dr. (2010). THE HISTORICAL USE OF MARITIME IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE
DEVICES. Hull University Centre for Security Studies IED Project Occasional Paper No. 1.
1 (1), p2-26.

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weak link to shift their tactics and engage in maritime terrorism over the
contemporary attacks we have witnessed in the UK over the last decade. Terrorist
organisations are learning fast and are actively looking for new ways to attack.
“Failure simply demonstrates effort, persistence and a willingness to learn.”91 Because
this is so, this type of terrorism will continue to adapt and improve, becoming a major
concern for the West, including the UK. There are two reasons behind why terrorist
organisations might use maritime terrorism as a tactic and attack a ferry. Firstly, it
would represent a mass casualty scenario that is wholly desirable by today’s terrorist.
Secondly, it represents an easy target due to the lax security that is currently in place.
Attacks against trade ships also represent a possible terrorist threat. The UK
has utilised the maritime environment for centuries and, “it is important to recognise
that the more advanced the economy, and the more dependent upon maritime trade,
the more vulnerable to MIEDs, and this is why this matter is important to us.”92
Because the UK is an island, its dependency on the sea is essential and its usage is
necessary for it economy. As a nation, the UK is a big importer of goods from around
the world and has many ports that are extremely important. For the UK, “these are the
hub of the global maritime economy which operates on a, ‘just enough-just in time’
basis.”93 Because of this, it is fundamentally essential that this system is not exploited
by terrorist organisations in the UK. This is also a major reason why terrorist
organisations may look to use this in the future because of the direct effect an attack
1 (1), p2-26.
1 (1), p2-26.
1 (1), p2-26.

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would have on the UK economy. The problem the UK faces is that, “these ports are
designed, not for ease of defence, but specifically for ease of access.”94 This offers
terrorists the ability to attempt to enter ports at speed, giving them enough time to
choose their possible targets before they can be stopped, if they are noticed. As
explained in Chapter One, new terrorists that have been radicalised are more likely to
be willing to die for their cause. Because of this, a suicide attack in a bomb laden boat
is very likely. This is because, “the explosive laden speed boat is, perhaps the most
used and most effective maritime IED.”95 This adds to the fact that ports are designed
for ease of access and represents a likely method of attack and poses a major threat to
the UK.
Chapter summary
Maritime terrorism poses a major threat to the UK and has gone relatively unnoticed.
Because this has been the case, the UK has left itself open to attacks at sea. The two
most likely forms that maritime terrorism will take in the UK are firstly, attacks
against ferries using an explosive device on board to cause mass death. Secondly, an
attack against trade ships in port or at sea because of the direct effect on the economy
if an attack took place. This added to the need for access at ports to be simplistic to
allow the flow of ships to be easy, represents an easy target for terrorist organisations
that could be utilised in the future.
1 (1), p2-26.
1 (1), p2-26.

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Conclusion
The findings from this research conclude that the threat the UK faces is most likely to
come in the form of an explosive bomb attack against a populated area. This attack
could come in a variety of methods, from IED’s to suicide bombers but will have the
same outcome. This is because contemporary terrorists seek destructive outcomes and
will apply tactics to meet this strategic demand. This type of attack has few
limitations as it is relatively easy to implement, making it a desirable to terrorists.
The issues terrorists have with CBRN is that they require advanced, in depth
knowledge of certain criteria to allow them to successfully implement such a tactic.
Because this is so, there is an unlikelihood of such attacks occurring. Though they still
pose a plausible threat to the UK and will continue to do so into the near future.
Attacks against UK security personnel, though a threat, does not meet with the
consensus of mass casualty outcomes that terrorist organisation prefer. Therefore
though it is very likely such an attack will happen again in the future, its commonalty
is not as likely as explosive devices. Radicalisation is undoubtedly a major concern to
the UK, and will remain a future security threat. With the increase of domestic
radicalisation, terrorist attacks in the UK will most certainly increase. The suicide
attacks in London, the Glasgow airport car bomb and the Lee Rigby attack emphasise
the radicalisation problem the UK is facing. This is because all the attackers were
British and all had been radicalised into carrying out their attacks.

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